Jurien Bay has earned a place in the hearts of Perth holidaymakers, as well as fishing, diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Under sunny skies for the majority of the year, this relaxed fishing town is blessed with long sandy beaches, colourful offshore reefs, amazing marine life and a thriving cray fishing industry.
If you hit the Indian Ocean Drive north of Perth, you can cruise along this scenic drive to Jurien Bay in just 2.5 hours, passing pristine beaches, towering dunes and spring wildflowers.
Sheltered by a string of islands and limestone reefs, the snorkelling and diving here is first rate, with underwater caves and coral gardens covered in colourful sponges waiting to be explored. Protected by the Jurien Bay Marine Park, these habitats are also a haven for the rare Australian sea lion.
Join a fishing charter for close encounters with visiting sea lions, dolphins and, during the migration season from June to December, graceful humpback whales.
If you're in Jurien Bay around August/September time, prepare to be dazzled by another wonder of nature when native flora transforms the Jurien Bay area into a carpet of colour, making it one of the top wildflower hotspots in the world. More than 900 stunning varieties can be found in Lesueur National Park, just a half hour drive east of Jurien Bay.
To the south, Mother Nature has also created one of the most unique lunar-like landscapes on the planet - the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park. Formed over millions of years, thousands of tall limestone spires rise eerily out of the yellow desert sands - an incredible sight to behold at sunrise or sunset.
In the opposite direction, heading north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape Recreational Park is the ideal spot to set up camp on the beachfront and indulge in some of Western Australia's best swimming, coastal walks and beach fishing.
Alternatively, if you seek more creature comforts or the convenience of Jurien Bay's facilities, there is a good selection of accommodation in town to suit all tastes and budgets.